It's been a long time since I've written. To ease back into it, this won't be too long. But I just watched a little video (CNN) that talked about this guy in Japan that goes to a place they call Japan's Suicide Cliffs. It was a really cool story, so I felt like sharing it.
This one guy has been personally responsible for keeping 129 people from jumping off the cliffs and committing suicide in the last four years. It's like his mission in life. He was a Japanese policeman who used to patrol the area, and he stopped a couple from jumping, referred them to the government for help, and later found that the government agency told the elderly couple to kill themselves. Unfortunately, they did. Since then, his life has changed. He goes there twice a day, with binoculars in hand, and talks to people who might be contemplating suicide. And 129 people have been given hope!
In Japan, much like the United States, career and "value" in life are closely related. I know plenty of young men, women and youth that struggle with value. It's so easy to base it on looks, popularity or our career. It's pretty out of control. But with the wrong focus, people just lose hope. And sometimes, if we are just willing to notice, we could do a lot to offer them hope!
I haven't really explored the deep thoughts that can come from a story like this yet. Have I made a difference in 129 peoples' lives? Am I making a difference at all? How do people commit suicide (emotional, physical, spiritual) around me every day? What could I do to change things? How many people do I know that don't realize how valuable they are in God's eyes - and how can I help?
Nope, I haven't thought about some of those deep thoughts yet - I just wanted to share this story with you. It caught my attention - but I hope it does a lot more than that. Let me know if you have any thoughts.
IAFHG,
pj
Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
by Jonathan Goeke
filed under